ATTENTION FOREST SERVICE TRAIL USERS

Between mid-January and the beginning of March the Forest Service will
be implementing an old growth ponderosa pine restoration project that
will cause portions of the East Fork Trail and the area north of the
Redondo Campground (on the Jemez Ranger District) to be closed to
cross-country skiing and other recreational uses. This project is the
culmination of a three year partnership effort between the Forest
Service, The Nature Conservancy, Northern Arizona University’s
Ecological Restoration Institute, the University of Montana, and several
local landowners and participants. The purpose of the project is to
optimize old growth ponderosa pine habitat for forest health and
sensitive species such as the Northern goshawk by reducing over dense
areas of small trees. Treatments will be applied by shredding or
masticating trees. There will be no logging and no pre-settlement (trees
estimated to be 130 years or older) trees will be cut.

Treatments will primarily occur over snow between mid-January and March
1st to avoid impacts to soil and minimize disturbance to wildlife
species. The East Fork Trail will be closed on weekdays during this time
period between the East Fork Trailhead and Las Conchas Trailhead. In
some instances, the East Fork Trail may need to be closed on weekends as
well. To find out the status of this trail or more information about the
project, please contact Mike Dechter at the Jemez Ranger District:
575-829-3535.


Please tell your friends that use these aras. Thank you.

Mike Dechter
Santa Fe National Forest
Cuba/Jemez Ranger District NEPA Coordinator
575-829-3535